The Glens Centre to host John Denver Tribute Show

Leitrim’s The Glens Centre will host a special evening celebrating the life and music of legendary singer-songwriter John Denver, brought to life by acclaimed performer Marc Roberts.

The son of a U.S. Air Force officer, Denver’s artistic journey began at age eleven when he was given his grandmother’s guitar. Denver eventually took guitar lessons and joined a boys’ choir, which led him at age twenty to pursue his dream of a career in music. He experienced his first major break in the music industry when he was chosen from 250 other hopefuls as lead singer for the popular Mitchell Trio. Two years and three albums later, Denver had honed his considerable vocal talent and developed his own songwriting style.

Denver gained recognition when his song “Leaving On A Jet Plane” was recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary, becoming their first and only number one hit. As the Mitchell Trio disbanded, Denver was climbing up the pop charts as a solo act with songs like “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” “Annie’s Song,” “Back Home Again,” “Thank God I’m A Country Boy,” and “Calypso,” solidifying his position as one of the top stars of the 1970s.

Denver sold more than 30 million records worldwide and earned numerous awards throughout his career. His music reflected his passion for the outdoors, environmental protection, and simple living, themes that ran through classics such as Take Me Home, Country Roads, Annie’s Song, and Calypso. Beyond music, he was also a committed humanitarian and environmental campaigner, using his platform to raise awareness on global issues.

Despite his enormous success, Denver’s life was marked by personal struggles, including battles with fame, relationships, and changing musical trends. He remained deeply committed to his craft, continuing to tour and perform until his tragic death in a plane crash in October 1997 at the age of 53.

On Thursday, February 20, Marc Roberts will present his award-winning production A Tribute To The Music of John Denver at the Glens Centre in Manorhamilton. The show combines live performance, storytelling, and multimedia visuals to offer audiences a moving journey through Denver’s life, career, and enduring legacy.

Audiences can expect to hear many of Denver’s most-loved songs, including Leaving on a Jet Plane, Some Days Are Diamonds, Thank God I’m a Country Boy, and Take Me Home, Country Roads. Alongside the music, Marc shares stories and insights into the man behind the melodies, giving fans a deeper understanding of Denver’s life and values.

The tribute show has enjoyed major success, selling out leading venues such as the National Concert Hall in Dublin and touring internationally across Europe, Australia, and Asia, as well as in Denver’s hometown of Aspen, Colorado.

Tickets are priced at €25 and are available now from www.glenscentre.com

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